Like many couples, Alexia and Brandon were forced to postpone their wedding due to COVID-19.
However, in order to still get married on their original wedding date, the couple decided to have a gorgeous micro-wedding with their closest friends and family!
You would not be able to tell that they pulled off this beautiful wedding in two weeks. Alexia was stunning in a custom, mermaid gown designed by Veronica Tabi, and the luxurious bohemian-chic florals, decor, and wedding cake were just as unique and elegant.
However, the most memorable moment for Brandon and Alexia was being able to celebrate their love with their closest family and friends despite everything going on in the world. Alexia shares, “Even though we did a first look nothing compared to the feeling of seeing the doors open and knowing that your life is about to change. My father walked me down the aisle and I knew that my parents had prepared me for this moment. However, I was nervous until I saw my groom. All nerves went away, and I knew that this was my destiny.”
See all of their amazing wedding photos and read more about their heart-warming love story below.
- Couple: Brandon & Alexia
- Occupations: Bride- Change Management Lead Groom- Manager for the Federal Government
Quick Facts
- Gifts for Bridesmaids and Groomsmen: Since we are having our large wedding next year and this wedding was last minute we didn’t give them any gifts. However, during the bachelorette party pre-COVID-19, I did provide my girls with a clutch and some other small goodies.
- Gifts for one another: We completely overlooked this as we did a lot in two weeks. We got married, purchased our dream home, and celebrated my, the bride’s, birthday.
How did you meet?
We met on Match when Brandon sent me a message asking “If they made a movie about you, who would play you and why?” I quickly responded that it was 6 am and too early for thought-provoking questions. After getting to know Brandon, I know now that was a copy and paste the question and that he was probably half asleep when he sent it. My husband loves to sleep.
Tell us about the proposal.
The proposal almost didn’t happen on 9/18. I was being a brat because our previous date night did not happen and he wanted to go to dinner in the middle of the workweek. Brandon told me to get dressed up and as we were driving to the restaurant he told me that we were going to a super causal restaurant to eat dinner that was an hour away. I was slightly annoyed because we were both overdressed and I was tired. However, I remained calm and took a nap.
When we arrived in DC I knew he had tricked me because we were at the place of our first date. I was so excited that he had taken the time to plan such a thoughtful date in the middle of the week. We entered the restaurant and we had reservations at the same table that we had our first date. At this point, I did not think he was going to ask me as I didn’t notice a ring box on him.
We sat down and ordered drinks and appetizers. As we were talking our friends started walking up with a sign and balloons asking for my hand in marriage. I was scared at first because they came to the table so quickly. But, I was overcome by emotions and shock. Brandon gave a very thoughtful speech three times as he was nervous. I like to say he asked me three times.
Describe our wedding style.
Bride- Due to COVID-19, I had to get another dress made last minute. My wedding dress was simply stunning and matched the boho Caribbean vibes that I wanted for my wedding. I wanted something dramatic without all of the bling. I had a corset, v neck bodice with a peek-a-boo lace adorned cut out on the side of my dress. The cathedral length train was the topper that paired perfectly with the mermaid style dress. My cathedral drop veil had amazing lace details that matched the lace on my dress. The entire look came together with my large drop diamond earrings to match my pear shaped wedding ring and hairpiece.
Groom- When we first started planning our wedding I knew I wanted to wear a white tux jacket trimmed in black. However, I couldn’t find the right one to match our original wedding vision. Since we planned our wedding in two weeks it didn’t leave me with too many options for a custom tux. So, I went with my something old which was my white tux with black trim that I purchased for a previous event the year before. This was the perfect tux that I was looking for and complimented my wife and her beautiful dress.
What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?
Bride- I had a very specific vision for my dress in mind and unfortunately they do not have too many shops for the curvy bride. I went to curvaceous couture and they were simply amazing. They found a dress that was able to meet my vision and provide me with all the dramatic touches that I wanted without taking away from me. My COVID-19 wedding dress experience was amazing as well. I sent Vtabi pictures of my wedding décor vision and dress styles that I loved. She sent me samples of fabric and sketched me the perfect dress. During my first fitting, I was amazed that she made everything that was on paper come to life. The dress was better than I could ever expect. She even made me a matching facemask.
Incorporation of Culture
Alexia’s family lives out of state and she could only have three members of her family travel. However, her family ensured that the family broom made it to the wedding along with her Uncle who plays traditional African drums at all family functions. For her family, the broom and the drums are a long-standing tradition of blessing the marriage and welcoming the new addition to the family.
Best Wedding Memories
Even though we did a first look nothing compared to the feeling of seeing the doors open and knowing that your life is about to change. My father walked me down the aisle and I knew that my parents had prepared me for this moment. However, I was nervous until I saw my groom. All nerves went away and I knew that this was my destiny.
The other memory that I love was when we did the first look with my father. This was very special and brought me to tears. My father and I had talked about this moment for years. However, nothing compared to the emotions that we shared.
Groom- Seeing my bride for the first time. I actually thought that she was going to have on a black bow or something black and completely blinged out (I overheard a conversation she had and thought she said a black bow on the dress). However, the dress, hair, jewelry was more than I even expected. She looked beautiful and stunning. She was perfect.
Wedding Advice
Invest in a bomb full-service wedding planner- much needed if you are a couple with competing priorities. I sent her three pictures of what I wanted and I was really thought I didn’t care because I wanted to get married. April knew me better and knew that if she threw together something I would be disappointed. Well, she exceeded our expectations. She gave us a full wedding reception on a budget. BOOK HER,
If your bridal party is amazing like mine- let them help you!
Day of: Eat, drink lots of water, and DO NOT let anyone steal your peace. This is a life-changing event and you need to take in every moment. Even though the day went by fast I was able to enjoy the full day. I also wanted to ensure that we ate the meal we paid for and enjoyed everything at the reception. Our wedding planner heard all of our requests and ensured it happened.
Most importantly, remember the goal is marriage and the day is about the two of you. All other opinions are just noise. Stay focused on the marriage!
Vendors
- Planning & Design: Tulle & Tinsel Event Co.
- Hair: Christina Johnson Restorationdiva.com
- Make-up: @lauren_j_makeup
- Flowers: Floral Impressions
- Photography: Myron Fields Photography
- Rentals: White Glove Rentals
- Venue & Caterer: Hotel Revival
- DJ: Fred Ratliff @spinnercircle
- Cake: Lala Economides
- Dress: Veronica Tabi
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